Thanksgiving: the one day in the year that overeating and indulgence are not only common. They’re encouraged and expected! However much we’d like the actions of this enormous meal not to count, what happens at the table doesn’t stay there. If you aren’t careful, you could end up with a cavity or two awhile afterward. Here are some tips to keep in mind during Thanksgiving to make it more friendly for your mouth.
Limit Your Starch and Sugar Intake
Cavity-causing bacteria absolutely love to feed on sugar and starch. When you have large amounts of these substances, these bacteria can thrive and spread faster than usual, meaning your risk of getting tooth decay increases significantly. Although Thanksgiving dinner can consist of many starchy, sugary dishes, try to select the most delicious and important ones for you. If you prize having pumpkin pie, then perhaps you shouldn’t have more than one roll. It’s okay to want and savor cranberry sauce, but try to keep your serving size reasonable to protect your oral health.
Serve Water More Than Other Drinks
Thanksgiving is a celebration, which may call for special beverages, but by far, the best fluid for you, your body, and your smile is water. Even if you take some sips of juice, wine, or something else, make sure everyone has access to water and try to take sip of it throughout the meal. Water contains no sugar or acid, and it rinses away food debris and plaque. Fitting in some water on Thanksgiving can reduce the negative impact this huge meal has afterward.
Enjoy Plenty of Colorful Veggie Sides
Although the spotlight shines brightest on the turkey, delicious sides are essential for this meal, and fortunately you can easily find beneficial foods for your teeth and gums. In fact, many of the colorful vegetables you have as sides have vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and calcium that can protect your tooth enamel and help your body fight oral infections. Feel free to include these options on the menu and encourage your loved ones to feast on these delicious sides as well.
Watch Out for Staining Foods
During Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll find several foods and beverages with deep pigment: red wine, cranberry sauce, coffee, and certain fruit pies. These foods among others can stain your teeth, diminishing your smile’s radiance. You can stay away from these options altogether or restrict your exposure, and you can take a few measures if you want to indulge a little; you can schedule your semi-annual dental cleaning and checkup after this special day or drink lots of water during and after the meal. Also, make sure you continue normal routines like oral hygiene every day—even if you are on a trip.
Thanksgiving comes just once a year, so you can certainly enjoy yourself, but with some smart decisions during the meal, your mouth can stay strong and healthy. Protecting your oral health will help you smile through the rest of the year!
About the Practice
At My Frederick Dentist, all three of our dentists have undergone years of training and gained expertise through their clinical experience. In our practice, we value your time, which is why we do our best to avoid waiting times and stay on schedule. Our relaxed atmosphere and friendly team will help you feel welcome and provide a wonderful experience when you come. Do you need to schedule an appointment with us? Reach out to us online or call our Frederick practice at 301-698-9552.